Emergency food parcel demand soars by almost 40% in Suffolk during pandemic
The Trussell Trust is calling for commitments to be made to end the need of food banks
The demand for food parcels in Suffolk soared by almost 40% during the pandemic.
Data released by the Trussell Trust today (22 April) shows there were 17,181 distributed across the county between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, compared to 12,343 the previous year.
Across the UK, food banks in the charity's network gave more than 2.5 million emergency parcels to people facing crisis, which is the first time the total has topped 2 million.
Out of the total distributed nationally, more than 980,000 went to children.
The Trussell Trust described the figures as the "tip of the iceberg" as many other people are being assisted by other groups formed in response to Covid-19.
All levels of Government are being called on by the charity to make a commitment to working to end the need for food banks and developing a plan to do so.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said:
"No one should face the indignity of needing emergency food. Yet our network of food banks has given out record numbers of food parcels as more and more people struggle without enough money for the essentials. This is not right but we know we can build a better future.
"This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit suddenly, but we know when we push for change, united by our desire for justice and compassion, the government has to listen and act.
"We are asking you, the public, to write to your local candidates standing for election on 6 May, asking them to commit to working to end the need for food banks if elected. Together we can take action now to build a hunger free future."
Sabine Goodwin, coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network, added:
"Independent food banks are also continuing to see relentless need for help although combined Trussell Trust and independent food bank figures represent a fraction of the UK's food insecurity picture. Now more than ever, our social security system needs to be reset, local authority support schemes involving crisis grants prioritised and adequate wages and secure work ensured.
“It's the Government's responsibility to stop hunger from happening in the first place so that everyone is able to afford to buy food and other essentials."